Goebel Hummel Figurine: Birthday Cake (Hum 338)

This is a Goebel M.I. Hummel porcelain figurine titled 'Birthday Cake,' model number 338. The piece features two young girls: one standing on the left holding a large pink-frosted cake on a white scalloped plate, and the other on the right holding a yellow flower, appearing to ponder the dessert. The figurine is crafted from glazed earthenware (fine porcelain) and exhibits the classic muted, earthy color palette characteristic of Hummel pieces, including shades of blue, terracotta, and brown. The construction shows fine hand-painted details, particularly in the girls' facial expressions—with downcast eyes and delicate rosy cheeks—and the textured rendering of their dresses and wavy hair. The blonde-haired girl on the right features a prominent orange-red bow. The base is an integrated round, cream-colored pedestal. This specific design was originally modeled by master sculptor Gerhard Skrobek in 1956 and has been produced under various Goebel trademarks. The craftsmanship is evident in the subtle shading of the clothing folds and the 'red line' detailing on the white peasant sleeves. Condition appears excellent with no visible chips, cracks, or crazing, though a signature 'bee' mark or Goebel stamp on the underside would be necessary to confirm the exact manufacturing period (e.g., TMK-4 through TMK-8).

I have virtually examined the Goebel M.I. Hummel figurine 'Birthday Cake' (Hum 338). Based on the visual evidence, the piece displays the high-quality craftsmanship associated with the Gerhard Skrobek 1956 mold, featuring the characteristic matte finish and hand-painted 'soft' facial expressions. The condition appears to be 'Mint' or 'Near Mint,' as there is no visible crazing, which is common in older earthenware, nor are there fractures on delicate extremities like the girls' fingers or the flower petals. The market for Hummel figurines has seen a significant correction over the last decade. While 'Birthday Cake' is a beloved motif, it was produced in large quantities across multiple trademark eras (TMK-4 through TMK-7). Current secondary market trends show that standard-sized versions of this model (approx. 5.5 inches) frequently sell in the $45–$85 range. The higher end is reserved for pieces with older marks (TMK-4 'Three Line Mark') or those including original box and paperwork. Limitations: This appraisal is based solely on digital imagery. Full authentication requires an in-person inspection of the underside to identify the specific Goebel trademark (TMK) and to check for professional 'cold paint' repairs that are invisible in photos. I would also need to conduct a 'ring test' to check for internal stress cracks and use a blacklight (UV) to ensure no adhesive resins have been used for restoration. Final valuation is contingent on the specific trademark and the absence of microscopic crazing.